The 6 most important rules of an at-home blow-dry

You’ll never need to enter a salon

There’s always a mix of wonderment and envy when you see that girl with beautiful long locks—with no signs of frizz, of course—and not just because she’s got perfect hair but also, how does she really get the time for salon visits and constant blow-dry appointments?

Maybe she’s just as mortal as you, but she just knows the right tricks to get a salon-style hairdo at home. Sounds too good to be true? Follow our blowout rules and you’ll never wonder again:

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Rule #1: Update your hardware

Getting the right hairdryer is the first and most important step—if you have one from your mama’s times (yes, the one with the little red light), it’s time for an upgrade. Get a high wattage one, somewhere close to 1800 watts and not more—the higher it is, the faster and hotter it gets. There’s so many new innovations out there: there are hairdyers that lock the moisture into your strands; all you need is do a bit of research before you get the one that suits you best.

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Rule #2: Use protection

You are exposing your hair to a lot of heat, and if you don’t want to burn it, you need to guard it. Heat protectant is your hero, but if you don’t have one or have run out, a few drops of smoothening cream or serum, evenly massaged into semi-wet hair, should also work in a pinch.

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Rule #4: Take it easy

Blast-drying wet strands will just shock your strands—quite literally. So, begin on the slowest setting for a few seconds, followed by medium heat, gradually moving towards the highest speed.

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Rule #4: One section at a time

Sure, you want it to be quick, but a little patience is required if you demand perfection. Keep some clips handy and tie up your hair from the crown, because you want always start from the back. Take little sections of hair forward using a round blush, moving the brush and dryer simultaneously over the stands. Starting from roots to ends, always keep the flow of air slanting downwards.

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Rule #5: Keep it cool

Celebrity hairstylist Rod Anker shares a very interesting tip, making use of the often ignored unsung hero that is the ‘cold button’, “Use heat but don’t forget the cool air—this will set the hair. Dry it into the desired shape, and while it’s still warm, cool it down to seal the do.”